By Gary Thomas

Area teams are gearing up to face off this weekend. Here are my game picks for upcoming games.

Luverne Tigers vs. Reeltown Rebels

The Tigers from Luverne have fought their way into the second round of the AHSAA 2A state playoffs with last week’s late-game win, 23-19, on the road against the JV Blacksher Bulldogs. This week, the Tigers are at home and will play the 10-and-1, No. 9 ranked 2A Reeltown Rebels.

The Rebel defense has received five shutouts this year. Reeltown won the last meeting, 40-13. The Tigers are 2-and-4 at Glen Daniel Stadium. Their ground-it-out attack will make the game close early, but the Rebels will pull away in the second half.

Gooch’s winner pick: Rebels 32, Luverne 12

Highland Home Flying Squadron vs. Providence Christian Eagles

The No. 1 ranked 2A Highland Home Flying Squadron continue their historic march to a possible 2A state football championship. That would be their first, ever. The Flyboys are averaging 48 points per game while giving up five points a game. That includes six shut-outs.

But standing in the way of that dream is the No. 9 2A Providence Christian Eagles. They are coming off a first round win, 53-28 over Horseshoe Bend. The Eagles are 9-2 where the Squadron are 11-0.

These two teams have met three times on the playing field with HHS holding a 3-0 record. The last time they met was last year with the Flying Squadron winning 39-0.

The Flyboys will defeat the Eagles at Clay-Jordan Stadium.

Gooch’s winner pick: Flyboys 42, Eagles 8

Gary “Gooch” Thomas is a long-time Crenshaw County resident, football fan and freelance writer.